Trouble Stopping Antidepressant

AMEN! I have attempted to stop taking Paxil however the sickness and body reactions experienced after 3 days were horrible. I can not afford to take that much time off of work and I had no idea how long the effects would last. When I explained it to my doctor he said "Don't worry, it's ok for you to stay on the medication indefinetly." HELP!

I had a similar experience with a pain medication, Oxycontin. When I was being weaned from from it, I felt terrible, too. When I discussed this with my doctor, he told me these were withdrawal symptoms. It was easily remedied by altering the size of the reduction. That worked fine, and the rest of the time I had no further problems. When I got down to the very smallest dose available, I asked my doctor if I could take it every other day until I was totally off, and he agreed to my plan. I wonder if anti-depressants can be drawn down in the same way?

There needs to be education for patients who no longer need such drugs so they can avoid this kind of hell. I'd like to see doctors make better use of video tapes and/or CDs for this purpose. They wouldn't even have to take the time to talk about it personally unless the patient has further questions.

I found similar unpleasant reactions when I tried to get off PAXIL. I reduced the dosage , went to every other day and still there are mind problems. Am also worried about long term effects !

My friend’s buddy, a psychiatrist who does research and teaches at Harvard, told me that about half of those taking an anti-depressant experience ‘discontinuation syndrome’ when coming off it (I assume they reserve the term ‘withdrawal’ for drugs that are physically addictive). A while ago, I weaned myself off Zoloft by reducing the amount VERY VERY slowly. Sometimes, if the symptoms are too much, a well-trained psychiatrist will switch you to a drug in the same class (e.g. another SSRI) that has a longer half-life (such as Prozac) and wean you down slowly on that. Cymbalta affects both neuroprenephrine and serotonin; therefore, I don’t know how well that would work (although, during a recent return to medication, I recently switched from Cymbalta to Zoloft and didn’t feel anything negative so…).

These medications have a ‘price’ many of us have to pay during the adjustment period (side effects, which usually go away after about 6 weeks) and the weaning-off period (although many seem to think that almost all of these effects can be virtually eliminated with a LONG tapering-down period). One of the things that’s been done for those who have trouble tolerating the side effects during the adjustment period (when the patient is being brought up to a therapeutic dose) is to use a liquid form of the medication to very slowly move up on the dose (e.g. Lexapro comes in liquid form and allows the patient to increase by 1 mg [1ml]). I wonder if the same can be done during the weaning off period – e.g. switch to the liquid form of the medication (if it’s available) and wean off very slowly.

One other very important thing to consider: side effects (during the adjustment period) and ‘discontinuation syndrome’ effects (during the weaning-off period) may be reduced by better diet and exercise (30 minutes of daily exercise w/ veggies, fruits, and low processed foods and sugar).
Some more info: A knowledgeable psychiatrist told me that medications only do part of the job. Diet and exercise (see above) are needed, too. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [CBT] (and, for disorders like OCD and panic, EX/RP) therapy is needed (along w/ mindfulness training).

It’s difficult to find someone who actually knows this stuff, however (many THINK they do but they don’t). I found the mindfulness training very helpful. Research has also been done on omega-3s for depression and bipolar treatment. Finally, there are some very significant studies proving the positive effects of ‘resonant breathing’ (done twice/day, 20 minutes each time) for disorders such as panic and depression (for example, one Harvard-graduate psychologist does this research at Robert Wood Johnson in NJ). It takes 90 days to have an effect but small studies are very promising.

After 4 years of Cognitive Therapy and combination drug therapy for depression, my psychopharmacologist doctor helped me transition to a non-medicated state. I was taking Ritalin and Effexor. I had no problem discontinuing the Ritalin. The 300mg daily dosage of Effexor was VERY SLOWLY decreased by 25mg/two week increments until I was medication free. I honestly have to say that the only side effect I experienced were occasional "electric shock" sensations in my head. Those sensations were annoying because of their randomness, they were never disabling...I continued to work at my job throughout.
I agree with Mr. Hyman's post that a very gradual weaning-off period may help significantly with uncomfortable and possibly disabling symptoms of anti-depressant medication discontinuation.

Like many people, I started taking an SSRI (Paxil) because my doctor said it was a good medication. He never warned me about the discontinuation (withdrawal) effects. I've had most symptoms: flu like symptoms, dizziness, extreme fatigue, tingling, burning sensations, extreme anxiety... The list goes on.

Some of us experience extreme withdrawal and this isn't uncommon. Also, this may last for several months. I still feel some after 7 months off. Of course, it isn't as intense as the first couple months but it is still hard to deal with sometimes.

Something needs to be done to educate patients who put all their trust on a doctor who isn't educated on SSRI discontinuation issues. (By the way, I think the pharmaceutical companies decided to call it 'discontinuation' instead of 'withdrawal' so that it doesn't sound so bad.)

I had been taking Paxil for 5 years, and have switched to Cymbalta as of one month ago. I weaned myself off of Paxil gradually as prescribed by my psychiatrist. Cymbalta is working well for depression and anxiety, but I am feeling VERY confused and am even seeing a neurologist soon for an MRI to see what's going on. Is this common when going off of Paxil even after a month and being on Cymbalta?

I am happy taking Cymbalta but will soon have gastric bypass. I'm told Cymbalta cannot be crushed. Does anyone know of a liquid or tablet form that can be crushed?

DO NOT TAKE CYMBALTA UNLESS YOU'RE PREPARED FOR MISERY. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HELP WITH MIGRAINE PAIN IN THE NERVES OF MY HEAD. INSTEAD I WAS HAVING HALLUCINATIONS, NIGHT TERRORS, TIRED ALL THE TIME, NAUSEA, AND MY HAIR WAS FALLING OUT BY THE HANDFUL!! THEN WHEN I CALLED MY DOCTOR, HE DIDN'T WEAN ME OFF, HE JUST SAID STOP. I AM NOW ON WEEK 2 OF MORE NIGHTMARES, NAUSEA, TERRIBLE THOUGHTS IN MY HEAD, AFRAID TO LEAVE MY HOME, I CRY ON A DIME, CAN'T SLEEP, HAVE NO COORDINATION, CAN'T FOCUS, I FEEL LIKE I AM SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL. WHEN WILL THIS STOP--I HAD NONE OF THESE FEELINGS BEFORE I STARTED THIS MEDICATION.

I agree with the subject of Cymbalta and the lack of warning about what will happen when you try to discontinue this damn drug. And JA comment about the wording on the horrors of trying to stop use of this drug. I lasted 5 weeks of being sooo sick out of my mind. Reduced to an emotional wreck.

It must be some sort of legalese that they won't call it what it is! It's long, painful, unending, and it is WITHDRAWAL! I used to praise the working of this drug, until i was forced by financial difficulties and insurance confusion to have to end my medication.

In the ensuing horror of "discontinuation syndrome" I almost lost my job and my mind. Absolutely nobody warned me what could happen. I am back on Cymbalta. I no longer feel the benefits of this drug relating to my depression. I wake up wishing I were dead and go to sleep praying that I don't wake up. I live in utter fear that from month to month I won't be able to come up with all the copays, deductibles, share of costs, denials and whatever other words relate to we-don't-pay-anything health insurance.

I hate and mistrust doctors and insurance companies. I feel hooked and dependent to this crap. If I could even find a street drug that would make getting off this Cymbalta at least bearable, I'm sure it would be cheaper and very much less hassle to get. And at this point I believe I could trust a street drug dealer a bit more than the current lies, lack of information or whatever makes dealing with these jerks the way it is.

I recently was given a trial pack of Effexor by my Doctor in order to help me deal with depression after having been bullied for 2 years at work. I told the doctor that I didn't want to take an anti-depressant but wanted to see if time away from the problem would help me heal. My doctor told me that Effexor was not an anti-depressant but a new kind of medication that would just help with my 'mood'.

When I got home I read the pack (not much info on that) and then got on the internet to find out what it was. Now I am terrified that I cannot trust my doctor but if I go to another doctor my insurance claim might be rejected.

After reading the experiences of so many other people I know what a lucky escape I have had. I still feel depressed but I have also learned that the symptoms are manageable if I don't go to to the place which caused the problem. Now all I need is a new job!!

I have been on Cymbalta for about a month now. I have gained some weight and my hair has been falling out for weeks!!! I get handfuls of hair in my shower drain, handfuls in the sink when I comb my hair, and all day I notice hair all over my shirt. My hair is so thin now that I have to wrap my ponytail holder one extra time around my hair. I stopped Cymbalta on my own all together because I don't want to be bald. I have been off Cymbalta for four days now and I feel like I'm going to die. I have headaches, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. I also forgot to mention that while taking Cymbalta, my face would not stop breaking out and I never usually break out.

I did not know that stopping Cymbalta would reduce me to half dead, dizzy, insomniac. Also, the butterflies in my stomach at 4:00 AM. This stuff is LEGAL??? "First one's free" then they got you forever! Who ever ok'ed this drug should be arrested!!

I used cymbalta for about a month. Now I have a lot of sweats--I feel like I'm walking in water. My hands and feet are sweaty all the time. I do not know if this medication is related to all those symptoms that I have but I feel awful.

I have been taking Cymbalta for about one year now. At first it was a great help with depression and body pains. I will say that it helped when other meds did not.

But... you will pay for this, the problems for me when taking Cymbalta were 1--it was hard for me to think 2--screws up my sex life 3--made me feel up sometimes and down at other times 4--dizzy, sweating, lack of coordination, dry mouth (you need to carry a bottle of water with you) 5--I became more quiet and distant 6--anxiety was worse not better.

Trying to get off Cymbalta is very hard. I felt like I wanted to die mostly because I was so depressed and felt like I had the flu (it can be like getting off oxycontin or heroin- -trust me on this one!). Slowly decreasing the dose does help, but if you're like me you will go thru hell.

I had to stop taking Cymbalta because my insurance was terminated when I lost my job and had to pay for Cymbalta on my own, and it is very costly. SO IS THIS MEDICATION WORTH ALL THE PROBLEMS AND SIDE EFFECTS? MAYBE IF YOU ARE SEVERLY DEPRESSED ONLY!! Not for pain or anxiety problems--it is not worth it, and also most doctors are not up on the pros and cons of antidepressants, so be careful because these drugs can have a major effect on your mind and body. Sometimes we just need a helping hand and to believe in ourself that things will get better if we stay strong. Good luck.

THANK GOD you guys wrote!!! I have been through soooooo much hell lately and this was just one of them! I have been promising my kids every day that I would be here at the end of the day just to get through the day.

I am dizzy and naseated, off balance, soooooo suicidal, crying constantly.... it's unbearable.

Thank you ALL for writing... you probably saved my life knowing that I wasn't crazy or alone.

My husband killed himself Nov 27, 2006... at the same time this year I ran out of Cymbalta, have no insurance and just suddenly stopped taking it.

I have been losing it for sure!

Maybe this will help me get from A to B.

I have been on Cymbalta for 8 months. After the first 2 months my doctor upped the dose to help with the migraines I was getting (which I found out were due to an allergy). I never bothered lowering my dose, and I just got laid off from my job, and I can't afford it, so I took one every other day for 2 weeks and now I'm out.

My boyfriend is worried about me because I have been crying at almost anything lately... and I have been having such bad migraines I get so sick to the stomach I start crying again and want to die. I don't know what to do. I can't afford to pay for Cymbalta without insurance... and I can't be sick like this for God knows how long!!!!! I wish doctors would tell us how hard it would be to get off it. They only tell you the benefits.

Oh boy, am I happy to find this site. I have been on Zoloft for over three years. I have a very, very patient partner. The med helped some, in the beginning, but we found it changes you. I was severely depressed, what" they" call clinically depressed. I had hurt myself badly in an accident--it wreaked havoc on my whole life.

I went and saw my doc. He precribed some weird stuff, and what he didn't prescribe the friendly shrink did. I was so out of it, we went out for dinner, and I passed out in the soup!

This shi.. went on for about a month (which I do not remember). They finally stopped jerking me around and put me on the miracle drug of the century... Needless to say, I have been "kicking" it for awhile. This is my second serious attempt, five days no drugs!!!

Okay, thanks you guys for validating my "side effects." I thought I was off the deep end, again!!

I am glad to have found this info. I was only on Cymbalta for 2.5 months. It helped with depression, but I was intermittently nauseous, found I was getting more headaches than normal, and my face was breaking out (which it does not normally do).

I reduced the dosage, according to my doctor's instructions, but after 5 days when I told him that my headaches were getting worse, he said to stop it. I was okay for 2 days, and then it all started. Lightheadedness, nausea -- where I can't even function -- sweats, mood swings, crying, headaches. I have felt like I was going to die.

What do I do? Stay off of it and ride this out (and when will it end?) or go back on a low dose and stay there indefinitely? I wish I had never ever tried this. In fact, I went off Prozac onto this drug because I "heard" you would not gain weight on it and I ended up gaining 7 lbs.! Please someone tell me that they have made it through the withdrawal and they have their life back. I need to hear this!

I had to stop taking Cymbalta because of 2 liver enzymes that went off the chart. I'm glad I didn't have the withdrawals some of you poor folks had.

Finding this site right now, at this time, was a religious experience. I, too, have all the above withdrawal symptoms. I am suicidal, my fibromyalgia is insanely painful. I sit at work with the trash can next to me in case I throw up, and I'm supposed to function, be a mom to 3 little kids and talk to people.

I asked my dr. to increase my pamelor at night - to 50 mg., knowing that withdrawl from Cymbalta would suck. But after I remembered that going off Pamelor is going to be worse. Nightmares, hallucinations and all of the above. I think I'll just stay on the night one forever. I can't go thru this withdrawal crap again. I'm also taking 1 Atavan to cope with the anxiety and panic that seem to be my best buddies, lately. That helps with the nausea from Cymbalta hell. I have gained 45 pounds in 3 years. My face, hands and feet are swollen - dr. thinks it may be the Cymbalta. Is there anything natural/herbal we can take to help with this?

I stopped taking Cymbalta about a month ago and am just now feeling some of the withdrawal effects: anxiety, crying at the drop of a pin, and difficulty concentrating, to name a few. I was originally prescribed Cymbalta for migraines and mild anxiety (i.e., when my kids get sick, I worry). Not only did the Cymbalta not get rid of the migraines, but it also stopped working for the anxiety. I was on this medication for about a year, and in that year, I also gained 25 pounds, lost a lot of hair, and was sleepy almost all day. I too would like to know if there is a light at the end of this tunnel, and if so, how long will it take to get there?

I haven't been able to take my Effexor XR pill for 3 days since I ran out, and of course the pharmacy gave me the wrong prescription when my dad went to pick them up for me so I'm still out. I'm pretty sure I'm having withdrawals already--I'm extremely dizzy, exhausted, and I keep hearing noises in my head. I'm afraid I'm going to fall down or pass out--it's starting to really scare me. Can anyone tell me if it's all right that I take 20mgs of Lexapro while I don't have my pills? I don't know when I will have them back. Lexapro is an old medicine I had taken before Effexor, and I still have some left over. Please help!!

Although I have not read all the comments, I can relate to WITHDRAWAL HELL! I have taken CYMBALTA for a couple years and found that if I missed a dose my head would have the sensation of water running from ear to ear -- on a very rough course. This would happen about 30 hours after having taken the last pill. I didn't intentionally forget to take the meds, but when I did forget I KNEW IT because of the "water in the head" sensation.

I asked my rheumatologist if I could stop taking this medication and substitute something else if needed. I was already taking WELLBUTRIN SR 150mg, so my dosage was increased to twice a day, one in the AM and once in the PM. I have been weaning myself off CYMBALTA for about 3 weeks, going from 60mg one day to 30mg the next and alternating like that for about 10 days. Then I took 30mg daily for about 6 days, then 30mg every other day. I took my last 30mg CYMBALTA on Thu 1/24/08 and I have experienced dizziness, nausea and the horrible sensation of water rushing through my head. (This is doubly intensified when speaking on the phone.) In addition to feeling nauseous, I have THROWN UP twice. I'm hungry, but then when the food is in front of me I lose my appetite. I don't even WANT to prepare anything to eat. I can stand to lose a few pounds, but medically this is a poor way to do it.

I searched www.CYMBALTA.com and found no information regarding what to expect when trying to stop CYMBALTA. My newest rheumatologist had NO KNOWLEDGE OF THESE SYMPTOMS when I discussed them with him. I think it's outrageous that he doesn't know what to expect when a patient is weaning off a drug. Sounds like there are QUITE A FEW DRUGS that create these problems! Maybe it's time they publish WITHDRAWAL expections on the little print out given when the RX is picked up (hint hint). I am going to ride this out and make sure I get educated before adding another drug to my system. Maybe BUD (me) will re-post when all the disgusting symptoms are gone.

I have been on Effexor XR for less than a yr. I have discovered that if I run out, I feel nauseous and light-headed and have bad headaches. I called the pharmacy on monday to refill my prescription since my last pill would be taken on Thursday and I needed dr. authorization to refill, so I wanted to give them a few days to take care of it since drs office said to have pharmacy call them when I ran out. I went yesterday to pick it up from the pharmacy, and my dr still had not okayed it yet. So I have not had any since Thursday morning.

I am sick to my stomach, have diarrhea, throwing up, light-headed and bad headaches. Drs office is closed, so have to go at least 1 more day. This is crazy. Drs know we need these pills, yet they let the prescriptions run out without refilling. I literally feel like I have the flu and can't hold anything down, so I understand all everyone is going through. I hate to think what will happen when I have to come off them for good after reading all these messages and what I have already been through.

CYMBALTA IS A TERRIBLE DRUG THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN OFF THE MARKET LONG AGO. I HAVE TAKEN PAXIL, WELLBUTRIN, PROZAC AND MANY OTHER ANTI-DEPPRESSANTS. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS LIKE THIS BEFORE. I AM SO SICK ALL OF THE TIME I CAN BARELY TAKE CARE OF MY FIVE CHILDREN OR ANY HOUSEHOLD CHORE.

I STARTED LOOKING FOR ANSWERS ONLINE FOR A DETOX DIET TO HELP WITH THE SYMPTOMS AND CAME ACCROSS MANY SITES LEARNING OF ALL THE PEOPLE WHOSE LIVES HAVE BEEN DISRUPTED BY THIS DISGUSTING DRUG. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED OF PEOPLE TAKING THEIR LIVES BECAUSE OF THIS DRUG. THIS IS SO FRIGHTENING.

PLEASE, IF YOU ARE READING THIS, TELL AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN ABOUT HOW CYMBALTA HAS HURT YOU OR PASS ALONG THE INFORMATION YOU HAVE READ. THE MORE PEOPLE TALK, THE FASTER THIS DRUG MAY BE DISCONTINUED. TELL EVERYONE YOU KNOW TO STAY AWAY FROM ELI-LILLY DRUGS. THEY DON'T IMPROVE LIVES THEY RUIN THEM!

After reading all the postings, I decided to quit taking my cymbalta cold turkey cause it didn't sound like it mattered much if you weaned off or just quit. I have been on it for a year and a half. I am on day five. I am weepy but knowing that others have experienced this makes it a little easier. I am a little light-headed, kind of like a caffeine buzz. I have been taking Omega 3 and Tonilin CLA because I read this helps. So far it hasn't been too bad. I suspect it will get worse before it gets better, but after gaining 35 pounds and feeling depressed all of the time, I figured it is worth a try.

I was put on Cymbalta because I was experiencing joint pain and starting to gain a little weight.This was supposed to help me lose weight, but instead I started to rapidly pack on the pounds. My doctor told me I would only be on the cymbalta for eight months, but kept renewing my prescription. I am also on trazodone but never had problems with it. I hope I don't experience all the withdrawal symptoms I have heard about, but knowing about them makes it easier to manage them if they appear. Thanks to all for the info.

I've been off cymbalta for 7 days now (not by choice, got on an airplane for a 2-week trip, and forgot to pack my meds). I thought I could get through it, but I have terrible brain zaps, diarrhea, and I feel disoriented for much of the day. I am afraid I am going to pass out. Every time I turn my head to the side, I get an intense dizzy feeling. Like nothing I've experienced in my whole life! I was only on the drug for about 4 months before this, and now I am definitely not going to get back on it when I return to the states. Anything that still makes me feel this s*%tty 7 days after stopping it is terrifying. I'll try to remember to post here over the next few days. I don't see any comments about how long this withdrawal lasts. I fear that it will never go away!

Have been on Effexor XR 75mg for about one and half years already... almost 3 days in a week I feel very tired... I may not even sleep thoughtout those 3 days, I feel like lying down the whole day. Anyone else get that too?

I started taking Cymbalta 20 mg 2 months ago for severe neuropathy from diabetes and hemachromatosis. It was a miracle for about 3 weeks, then I started getting headaches (which I rarely ever had before), nausea, sweating. dizziness when I turned my head,and confusion which led to forgetfulness. I am stopping the drug today. Thank you all for sharing what to expect. I will be a little more prepared. God Bless you all and help you through these terrible withdrawals. Peace

Hi...thank you to everyone who has posted here. the only reason I am is because I too feel that people need to know how bad it is to come off of Cymbalta.

I just came across this website after trying to find out what the heck is wrong with me. I took my last Cymbalta a week and a half ago after being withdrawn "slowly" from it over a period of time. For this entire time I have felt so dizzy, sick to my stomach and MEAN!! Good lord I am mean!

I called my doc asking what the heck was wrong with me and I told him I feel like I haven't had enough caffeine to make it through my day, as well as being so dizzy I can barely stand up or function. he told me to take Excederin Migraine and make sure I do have a lot of caffeine. The Excederin did help some but I still can't get myself out of the bathroom long enough to take care of my 2 year old twins.

I was orginally put on Cymbalta for Post Partum Depression and anxiety over raising twins...who wouldn't have that?? Now I have to be honest I am a little scared, I keep yelling at my angels and when I'm not yelling at them I am in the bathroom and there is no one watching them or I am on the sofa because I am to dizzy to deal with them. i don't know what i am going to do if this keeps up, but it is nice to know I am not alone. I just hope to God this gets better...I don't think it can get much worse.

I am going through the same thing. I had been on Celexa two times previously, whenever they give my Prednisone for my allergies I have terrible panic attacks, anxiety and thoughts of suicide. This time my doctor wanted me to stay on them until the time changed, which was 13 months. She told me since I was only on 20 mg just to stop. I knew better from the past. I tapered to a quarter of a pill for four days, half for four days, a quarter for 8 days. I'm now dizzy, suffering from nausea, having vivid nightmares, insomnia, chills hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, twitches, feel brain "twitches", I am emotional, had mild headaches, fatigue and muscle aches. All I can say is never again! Third time was my braking point. I'm going to try some herbs, increase my massages, start meditating and trying some amino acids. I feel for all of you! We'll make it through!

burned over 55% of body 3 years ago. on cymbalta 2 years. fatigue, itching, yellowness,cannot sleep,cannot sleep at night,63 years,am trying to quit cymbalta cold turkey, someone---help, sorry,i am no typist

I too have gone off cymbalta. Has anyone found a way to help with the nausea and dizziness? Also I am burping like crazy and I never had this problem before.

I was put on Cymbalta to stop hot flashes from menopause. When I switched doctors, she was angry for me being put on an anti-depressent for hot flashes and put me on a hormone suppliment instead. I am now trying to stop taking the Cymbalta. The dosage was reduced for several months. Then it was every other day for months. Now I have not taken any for over two weeks and my life is a living hell. I cannot turn around without falling over from dizzyness. I cannot go up or down stairs without falling. Running and exercise is out of the question. I have other withdrawal problems too, but this is ridiculous. No one told me that this would happen. My God, what if a disaster hit and we had no meds. There would be no way a person could function without their daily dose. How much longer will these dizzy spells continue? Is there anything I can do to stop them?

I took Cymbalta for a year. I stopped taking it 3 weeks ago, and my headaches are horrible still. I feel like my brain hurts. It's so weird. I talked to my doctor before I quit, and he told me something very confusing. He told me that I had to take it for another year because they found out that it kills your brain cells. I was surprised that after he said that he wanted me to continue taking it, plus my liver enzymes went double the level while I was on cymbalta. I am supposed to go get my blood work soon again to check on my liver.

I am in the process of weaning myself off Cymbalta and am having trouble even though I am working gradually. The literature I have been able to find says not to break open the capsules or take part of one, so that has been part of the problem with gradual removal (whole capsules only). I wonder if this is actually true, or if the drug maker just wants to circumvent customer experimentation. Does anyone know if this matters?

I took 60 mg daily for three years, and my doctor said to take myself off it, I should take 60 one day and 30 the next for two weeks, then go to "30/30", then to "30/skip" for two weeks, but I have had to stay at each of these stages 4-6 weeks.

Even at this rate, I have one week (the first week of each new decrease) of chronic depression and anxiety which includes one day of suicidal thoughts, followed by a few weeks of up and down mood problems.

What gets me through it is remembering that it is the drug, and that it is temporary, and that if I just sleep it off, relax and don't expect myself to do anything, it will pass, and I can move to the next reduction. I cannot imagine what would have happened to me if I had stopped cold or even if I had believed the doctor's advice to move in robotic two week intervals.

I am trying to get up courage this week to jump to nothing. Just one more step.

About ten years ago I took myself off Zoloft the same way, and did NOT have this extreme detox experience. I was actually able to go down comfortably in the two week intervals. The Cymbalta has been much, much worse (more addictive) than the Zoloft.

Beware, this following paragraph is pure speculation! I *think* I feel bad the day I take the larger dose and better the day I have the decreased dose (but am not positive), and I think this could be due to the delayed reaction or half life of the medicine. In other words, perhaps the day I take the larger dose, my system is short from a lower dose the day before, etc.) I only reduce to the next level when the alternating daily roller coaster stage levels out and I am pretty steady day to day.

I have been on Cymbalta for about eight months, for depression. It seemed to be my miracle drug as far as the depression symtoms, but I have gained several pounds and have experienced some hair loss. No one (doctor, enclosed literature, pharmacist) told me these were possible side-effects. But all this was nothing compared to what happened when I actually forgot to have it refilled (I take several meds) and had been off it for about five days when I realized what I had done.

But during the last three days of that five, I felt like I was in hell! Confusion, flu-like symptoms, nightmares, and (the worst) audio and visual hullucinations. I actually began to think I was experiencing a HAUNTING! Now, I'm afraid of what would happen if, for any reason, I couldn't get this drug. Couldn't we be forwarned about this horrible drug?!

I have gained weight with cymbalta, as well as any other antidepressant I have been on--any advice for herbs to handle depression? Also on Lamictal because the Dr. thought I had rages--wonder if it has been Cymbalta all along?

Started out on effexor for back pain, and when that didn't work, was switched to cymbalta... Well, back pain hasn't gone away, but I felt horrible. I felt emotionless, a void of a human being, so I decided against my drs wishes to stop taking the meds... Well now I feel like I am dying--such bad headaches, feel like puking but can't, can't sleep but am sooo tired, and oh the dizziness. Good times. Thanks, cymbalta!!! And to think my drs thought this was better than my back pain.

Thank you for this site. I was on Effexor XL for 1 year then my dr. switched me to Wellbutrin while weaning me off the Effexor XL. After completely stopping the Effexor I got extremely sick (headaches, extreme dizziness and upset stomach). I stopped taking the Wellbutrin 3 days after completely stopping the Effexor XL but am still dealing with the dizziness. This is day 3 with no antidepressants. I really wish the dr.s would inform us about this.

Cymbalta, I was on this medication for two years it was prescribed for depression. It did work.... However, stopping this medication is ill advised as a medical health care provider I slowly titrated myself off of this medication over a two month period of time, from 60mg bid to 60mg q am & 30 hs to 30 and 30 then to 30 daily then session of the medication, I experienced acute withdrawal symptoms for two weeks. The symptoms: anxiety, suicidal ideation, insomnia, uncontrollable shaking of the extremities... This is a dual focused SSRI and does work initially with depression, the after effects do outweigh the benefits. please think twice about alternatives before using this medication!

I have been on Cymbalta for a year and a half now. About five days ago, I ran out of the drug and just persevered due to my savings account on my medical insurance being finished. The dizziness, diahorea, weepiness, feelings of despair etc. were so bad that I went to the pharmacy this morning to get my meds, only to be told that the prescription was finished and that I had to get a new one. I begged the pharmacist to give me just one tablet to get me through the day and that in the afternoon I would go to my doctor for a script.

The man refused outright and told me it was a schedule 5 drug (South African terminology) even though he could see I had been taking the drug for over a year. I could not believe the cruelty of the system and that this was allowed to happen. After reading this site and the withdrawal effects of this drug, I am horrified.

The only question that has not been answered on this site for me is, how long does it take for these withdrawal symptoms to disappear and if it is going to be as long as one person mentioned (7 months) I would imagine one is then tied to this drug forever unless you are strong enough to endure this agony for that long.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE:

There is no good way to predict how long the withdrawal process will take for any given individual. Some people appear to get through this process fairly easily, within a few days or weeks. Others may find that it takes somewhat longer. We would always encourage a physician to supervise this process and gradually taper a patient. If symptoms recur, it should be possible to titrate up the dose to ease the discomfort and then begin the withdrawal again gradually.

I have been on Cymbalta for about 7 years now. I stupidly forgot to take it for the past two nights and today I am lightheaded and dizzy. I usually take it after dinner so I remember to take it, but I dined out and then forgot to take it. I didn't realize I would start feeling withdrawal symptoms so soon; but when I just returned home from a noon movie I took my cymbalta and hope I get back on track with feeling well soon.

Years ago when I started it I was in the throws of a deep clinical depression and it was a godsend. Now I don't want to experience what may happen if I go off it entirely. But I am going to discuss a course of action with my doctor next appointment just in case with our crappy economy something should happen to my insurance.

I started taking Cymbalta for joint pain. It was a relief to the nerve pain, but not joints. Now 2 yrs later, I've gained 60 lbs., am no happier and have had all the effects everyone describes w/o decreasing the dosage. So I bought gel capsules and split the 60s to roughly half and am taking about 30/day for the next 2 weeks, then I'll go to every other day. I'm very pissed that I had no warning of what this would do to me but am resolved to get it out of my life. Goodbye to the nausea, dry heaves, dizziness, insomnia, heart palpitations, sweats, etc.

I have been on Cymbalta for a year now. I had considered stopping the medication but now after reading all these posts, I am afraid to stop. I have the dizziness if I don't take the meds. for one day but I cannot imagine going through all that I have read if I just stop. I live by myself and no one to help me through this.

I have been on Cymbalta for a year now. I had considered stopping the medication but now after reading all these posts, I am afraid to stop. I have the dizziness if I don't take the meds. for one day but I cannot imagine going through all that I have read if I just stop. I live by myself and no one to help me through this.

I took my first dose of Cymbalta yesterday. After reading everyone's comments, it will also be my last. I am really disappointed my doctor did not tell me the withdrawal would be this bad. I asked her specifically if it was addictive and what would the withdrawal be.

Her answer was no and there is no withdrawal. This just goes to show you doctors don't really know the effects of a drug. They know what the manufactured tells them and they like the perks pharm companies give them for pushing their product. I am really glad I read these reviews. Thank you.

I have been on Cymbalta for about 3 months now and all of a sudden I have debilitating lethargy. I can't stay awake. I feel like I'm floating, can't think straight and all around feel terrible. I also cannot sleep. The first 3 weeks were awesome... and then I noticed a slight difference, my doctor increased me to 60 mgs. I went back down on my own because I felt like I do now. I don't really want to take these drugs and am concerned about what my Dr. will tell me. I am thinking of just trying to go off them myself and not tell her.

PEOPLE'S PHARMACY RESPONSE: DO NOT STOP THIS MEDICATION SUDDENLY OR WITHOUT YOUR DOCTOR'S SUPERVISION. YOU MIGHT EXPERIENCE UNPLEASANT WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS. MAKE SURE SHE KNOWS HOW YOU ARE FEELING AND WORK WITH HER SO YOU CAN FEEL BETTER.

I have been taking Cymbalta for about 3 years due to some major personal problems and joint pain. I have decided that I am better now; my personal situation has stabilized but the withdrawal is more difficult then I thought. I got through it about 6 months ago, the physical symptoms of brain shunts, sweats, etc, by tapering to 30 MG every other day for 2 weeks then stopping.

I found that I could not stop crying about little things so I decided my situation was still to difficult (deaths and divorce) so I started it again. Now I am tapering off again after 6 additional months. I do not like the brain shunts and sweats, my biggest symptoms, so I am breaking open the caps and splitting the 30 MG and taking it every other day.

It seems to help although I know that my dosage is not consistent with the time release. But I know that it is less than 30 MG. I will continue this for 2 weeks then quit. It is easier than quitting after the full 30 MG every other day. It is a little more of a tapering down. I have been crying a little more but I guess this is just usual and I need to get used to it. I also am having feelings of joy that were missing when I was taking 60 MG of Cymbalta. I will not take any more anti-depressants unless I am VERY VERY Depressed, many not even then.